Teen Triathlete died

Family of dead teen triathlete does not blame anyone
By Ng Liang Cheong / Wong Siew Ying, Channel NewsAsia Posted: 25 June 2007 2227 hrs

A promising Singapore Triathlete had died... From cardio-respiratory failure.

He collasped after crossing the finishing line.

And there's ain't any medical personnal on site at the time of the incident.

Quoted from CNA :"The Triathlon Association of Singapore (TAS) said although there were no medical personnel on site, the coaches present were all trained in first-aid."

Simple thing is this. How well-prepared are the coaches to deal with collaspe cases? Especially cardio-respiratory failures? Are they equipped with oxygen and AED? Give them a dummy on the spot, and ask them to perform CPR. Does they remember how to do, at that moment of time? What does they know about "resus" cases?

Coaches know first aid. That i know. But the best first aid that the coaches knew are those closely related to their sports forte. Especially sports injuries, like sprains, cramps, they know how to do perfectly. Even better than some first-aiders out there, i must admit.

But dealing with massive truma injuries? Piority one cases like cardiac arrest? How well prepared is a coach to face with one?

TAS should know better then that when organising activities like the triathlon, be it competitions, selections or even trainings. One cannot rely totally on coaches with medical emergencies.